We recently connected with Jaclyn Iskow and have shared our conversation below.
Jaclyn, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My work ethic is inspired by accomplishment, no matter the size or the scale. From a very early age, my parents instilled a level of commitment that has led to my success as an artist. Both came from humble beginnings and modeled a work ethic that they still believe to be an anchor. I was always expected to follow through with an arrangement or obligation, even if I changed the way I felt about it halfway through. Anything I start, I finish.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a multi-disciplinary artist operating in Detroit, Michigan. Thematically, I have explored a variety of topics pertaining to my own personal experience including self image, the body, religion, memory and family. I devoted most of my childhood and teen years to the stage. I learned how to express myself artistically at an early age and continued to pursue my artistic exploration in more physical mediums. Most of my efforts focused on operating my own photography business which included portraiture and still life.
After I graduated from Bad Axe High School in 2019, I ventured to Uppsala Sweden through the Rotary Youth Exchange Program where I was exposed to the local art. Much of my time was spent performing, painting and sewing with my peers. This inspired me to research how I could continue my artistic pursuits once I returned to the states. During COVID in March of 2020, I was accepted into the College for Creative Studies (CCS) in Detroit, Michigan. I immediately enrolled in the Communication Design program, but later recognized my original passions. I switched my focus to the Photography program where I soon excelled in editorial fashion photography.
During the last year of my studies at CCS, I completed my photographic thesis, Iczkowicz: The Modern Philosophy of Woman, which earned the Imre J. Molnar Artistic Achievement Award. This project was a profound journey and documentation of self-exploration, merging personal identity with broader cultural themes like technology, fashion, religion, feminism, and family sociology. I handled every aspect of production, including lighting, set design, makeup, and costume. In 2024, I published the first volume of Iczkowicz. Its success led to exhibitions across Detroit, including the Padzieski Art Gallery, Detroit Artists Market, and The Scarab Club, where it earned a third-place prize. Iczkowicz was also featured in events like Detroit Month of Design and the NOVA24 Photo & Film Festival. During this time, I simultaneously performed in multiple short films written and directed by Samuel Tricomo including Dog (2024), Babydoll (2024) and Puke Bitch (2025).
I currently operate at my shared studio space at the Russell Industrial Center and have dedicated the last four months to a collaborative project, Viscera, with mystudio partner, Teilo Wessells. Viscera will be available for viewing in a printed publication and exhibition in 2025.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I would recommend to anyone in the early stages of a project to construct a personalized definition of success. Most of my time as a student at the College for Creative Studies was spent attempting to wander down a path that was already paved instead of forging my own. Once I stopped chasing other people’s dreams and engaged with my own imagination is when I started having way more fun.
An important part of defining my success has been acknowledging that everything is temporary. Whether it be a creative block or a creative surge; a series of rejection or a series of recognition, every experience has led to the next. What once was a source of agitation has transformed into a well of comfort.
The foundation of my words is marked by the ability to trust myself. As an intrinsic people pleaser, this has been the most challenging, yet most obvious obstacle in my career yet. I have always been hyper sensitive to everyone’s thoughts but my own. While the critique from my friends or trusted colleagues are sometimes warranted, I try to hold my own opinion to the same significance when approaching my work.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
I do anything but sit still. Once I stop moving, it’s very hard for me to push myself forward again. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate- sometimes I’ll make a music video with my phone, rip up an old T-shirt or cook a small snack with whatever is in my kitchen and that’s enough to settle my nerves. Remaining resourceful within my creative purists has been a productive distraction from my anxiety.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://studioiskow.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaclyniskow/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaclyn.iskow.1/
- Linkedin: Jaclyn-Iskow
- Twitter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaclyn-iskow/
Image Credits
Personal photograph by Sierra Aguilar.
Additional submissions are photographic works by Jaclyn Iskow.
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